How to Become an ATF Agent in Oregon

The procedures, programs, services and activities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in Oregon are overseen by the Seattle Field Division. Oregon field offices are located in:

Portland: 503-331-7810

Portland II: 503-331-7820

Portland III (Industry Operations): 503-331-7830

How to Become an ATF Agent in Oregon: Requirements for ATF Jobs

ATF special agents in Oregon are an instrumental part of the federal justice system relating to violations of federal arson, explosives, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms laws. Their work is demanding, arduous, and challenging; therefore, the ATF selects only the most qualified candidates to serve as ATF special agents.

Becoming an ATF agent in Oregon requires that candidates are able to successfully meet the agency’s requirements and complete all areas of the pre-employment screening process:

Meet Minimum Requirements for Employment

Like most federal law enforcement jobs, ATF agents must meet a set of strict, minimum requirements to be considered as candidates:

They must be United States citizens.

They must be between the ages of 21 and 36.

They must possess a valid driver’s license.

They must be in excellent physical health.

They must have excellent vision and hearing.

Satisfy the Necessary Education/Experience Requirements

ATF agents are hired at the GL-5, GL-7, and GL-9 federal levels. To meet the minimum requirements for employment at the GL-5 level, candidates must possess specific education and/or experience qualifications:

A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university*; OR

At least three years of experience in an area of progressive responsibility, along with at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-4 level, which includes experience in law enforcement or criminal investigations; OR

A combination of experience and education

*Common college/university programs for ATF agents in Oregon include:

Political science

Criminology

Criminal justice

Sociology

Complete the Pre-Employment Process

Meeting the agency’s minimum requirements for employment is just the beginning to achieving a career as an ATF agent in Oregon. Chosen candidates must be able to successfully complete a number of pre-employment assessments, including:

A written exam (requires a writing sample)

An assessment test

A pre-employment Physical Task Test

A field panel interview

A drug screen

A polygraph examination

A complete medical examination

Complete the ATF’s Training Program

Candidates chosen to participate in the ATF’s two-part training program must be able to successfully complete all areas of this 27-week program to be considered for jobs as ATF special agents.

The first part of the program, the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), is 12 weeks in length and includes fundamental training for federal law enforcement professionals.

Upon the successful completion of the CITP, new hires must then successfully complete Special Agent Basic Training, which is an intensive, 15-week training program that offers in-depth study in a number of areas related to the job of an ATF special agent, such as firearms training, arson and explosives training, tactical training, and physical training.

Recent ATF Busts in Oregon

The hard work of Oregon’s ATF agents is evident, given the recent headlines to come out of this Pacific Northwest state:

January 28, 2014: A longtime eco-terrorist and fugitive was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison on 3 indictments resulting from charges related to the Animal Liberation Front arson case that spanned a number of Western U.S. states. The case, which was investigated by both the ATF and the FBI, involved 12 people and more than 20 acts of arson. Ten other defendants also received sentences of between 3 and 13 years for their role in this case.

February 20, 2013: An Oregon woman pled guilty to committing two armed bank robberies in Multnomah County and two more in Lane County. She also pled guilty to 25 other robberies and possessing ammunition. The case was investigated by the ATF, the FBI, the Portland Police Department, and a number of local police departments.